Whole Lotta Tango Goin' On

Happy Hump Day! Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, the "Alien Tango" love is starting to roll in! We have not one but two advanced reviews today.

Check out Larissa's Bookish Life for her take and rating on the next adventures of Kitty and Company, and then check out what Hanging with Bells has to say! Leave some Alien Collective love while you're at it.

Speaking of the Alien Collective, Dark Wyrm Reads has a lovely Gratitude Giveaway going on, which includes "Touched by an Alien" as well as some other cool books. And remember, my interview at The Book Pushers is still large and in charge -- complete with "Alien Tango" excerpt!

That's it for today. But I promise you...I'll be back. Soon. So, until then, enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend and the anticipation of 19 days until "Alien Tango" can be in your hands! (BTW, it's never a bad time to pre-order both "Alien Tango" AND "Alien in the Family". Just sayin'...)

Love,
Gini

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, I was going to do my World Fantasy Con roundup today, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, a massive number of deadlines earned at WFC combined with some "fun" computer issues has put me behind, and my roundup isn't ready. I know, I know, crushing disappointment from all, I'm sure, but hey, there's other stuff going on, so let me catch you up quickly on all that, and then, NEXT time, the roundup, cross my heart and hope to be whisked away by an A-C.

What other stuff, you ask? Why our Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing and "Alien Tango" ARC winner My 5 Monkeys has her review up. And lest anyone think "Touched by an Alien" has been forgotten, Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama has her review going strong. Hit them both, leave some Alien Collective love, you know the drill.

Smootchies and thank yous to Dark Wyrm Reads and Tempting Persephone who are encouraging one and all to take a look at the excerpt from "Alien Tango" that's up on the Deathless Prose page. If you haven't checked it out yet, don't delay! Head over and whet the ol' appetite for Kitty, Martini, and the rest of the gang. And smootchies to all on Twitter and Facebook who are also spreading the excerpt love. Y'all rock!

Speaking of advanced reading opportunities and My 5 Monkeys (ooh, a DOUBLE), check out who's getting to borrow her "Alien Tango" ARC. Congrats to those who are getting to paw the precious! Hope you all enjoy it as much as Julie did!

Site updates are going on all the time in the background. If you've reviewed "Touched by an Alien" or "Alien Tango" (woot!) and don't see your review listed on the Accolades page, let me know so we can rectify.

In Person/Con Reminder: I'll be in Tucson for TusCon 37 from November 12-14th. If you're in or around the Greater Tucson area, try to stop by. I'm doing a large number of panels and, if memory serves, a reading, as well as partaking in the book signing. Plus, many other of my fave awesome authors will be there. You'll be glad you made the trip, I promise.

Also, aspiring authors in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, don't miss the Fall Writers Workshop at the Scottsdale Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 20th. I'll be there, leading a session with the awesome Erin Quinn on "Two Faces of Paranormal", and there's much, much more. And it's FREE. Chance to meet a ton of authors? Check. Chance to learn a lot? Check. All for free? Double check. So, hope to see you there!

That's it for today. Enjoy the slide to the weekend and keep it alien! Peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Yet Another Manic Monday

Happy Monday! Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's crazy time over here. I'm loaded with things to do -- like packing -- before I leave for World Fantasy Con (on Wed. morning much earlier than I like to get out of bed, but then again, since I'd like to stay in bed until at least noon every day, that's not really telling you much), and we're loaded with things going on in the blogosphere, too. So let's get to it!

First up, if you missed it yesterday, it's not too late to catch it today. Catch what, you ask? Why my entry into the Spooky Legends event going on at Dark Faerie Tales and All Things Urban Fantasy. Check out Aliens on Earth, leave some Alien Collective love, get entered to win a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien".

Next up, Locus Magazine has an interview with the greatest cover artist in the world, aka Daniel Dos Santos. Check it out, learn some more about Dan and his process.

Then, head to Babbling About Books and check out which upcoming covers are getting babbled about. Then, hop to another good review of "Touched by an Alien" over at What If Books. Then, check out what came in the mail for Thrifty Reader.

Catch your breath, and then head to Dark Wyrm Reads where he highlights some of the nominees for the Bookie Awards, including yours truly. Dark Wyrm also has a great contest going on right now that you'll want to enter, so after you check out his highlighted nominees, skip over to the Spooktacular Book Giveaway and get entered to win!

Speaking of the Bookie Awards, if you'd like to see all the categories and nominees, check out Authors After Dark. Congrats to everyone nominated and good luck to all, too!

Whew! I think that's all for today. So enjoy blog-hopping and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Holy Whirlwind, Batman!

Well, as you all know, I released my beautiful cover for "Alien in the Family" yesterday. And as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know -- wow, the internet is hopping now, and not just about the cover!

First up, we have a new wonderful review of "Touched by an Alien" over at Book Noise. Have a read, leave a comment, show the Alien Collective love!

Then, check out Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing Dark Wrym Reads and Books, According to Nicole for their take on the new cover for "Alien in the Family".

Now, head on over to 1st Turning Point and check out my latest article, Twitter Right. A lot of you use Twitter, and use it well, so please add any comments or suggestions you might have!

Reminder that my interview over at I Smell Sheep is still going strong, as is the chance to enter to win the "Sheeped by an Alien" t-shirt, so if you haven't hit the interview to get a chance to win, rectify that omission now!

Not enough? Well, if you want to promote the new "Alien in the Family" cover, or just look at it more up close and personal, send me an email and we'll send it right over so you can. Want more? "Alien in the Family" avatars and such will be up on the Free Stuff page soon!

Still not enough? Well...it'll have to be...'cause tomorrow is Friday, and we all know what Friday is, right? That's right -- it's the start of the "Alien Tango" ARC Giveaway, for Hook Me Up! only! What? You're not on Hook Me Up! yet? You don't want to win the ARC of "Alien Tango" along with a ton of other totally awesome goodies? What's wrong with you? Oh, wait...you DO want to win? Then sign up for Hook Me Up! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and do it today, 'cause Friday's coming up fast!

Love,
Gini

Maniacal Monday

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I did a lot of editing on "Alien in the Family" and a whole lot of needless stressing about getting ready to head to SoCal and Comic-Con.

But that's all in the past! Yes! It IS! I SWEAR! Ahahahahahahaha! *cough*

So, what do we have for you today? Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a lot! First up, there's a question I've been getting somewhat frequently and one of our newest Hook Me Up! subscribers just asked it again. So, hit the Extra Me! page and check out Ask Gini for an answer about Kitty and how she does what she does so well.

Next up, in case you've somehow missed it, I have another Twitter contest going, my 300 Followers contest. For full details, hit Dark Wyrm Reads where the contest is more clearly stated than I've managed to do yet. Check out the reviews of other books while you're there, too! (BTW, while I'm gone, Twitter may be the best place to hear from me, keep in touch with me, etc. Because that Blackberry of mine will be with me at all times, and my netbook will not.)

In other news, ALPHA Reader has a nice shout out to "Touched by an Alien" as well as a lot of other books you might want to check out and put on your summer reading list. And my 3-part guest blog about the 3 P's to Writing Success is up at That's QUEEN Bitch to You so check it, and the reviews (and the Robot Chicken!), out there.

As I think I've mentioned (oh, once or twice), I'll be gone the latter half of this month at Comic-Con (where I'm going as a professional! Yeah, I know, you thought I was over that, based on the opening paragraph, but you were wrong, it's still a required addendum). If you've also somehow missed what my session there will be about and who I'll be on the panel with, check out Super Freaks are Super Freaky for a quick overview. And if you'll be at Comic-Con, let me know!

Last but not least, a reminder for those in the general vicinity of Phoenix/Scottsdale -- I'll be doing an author workshop and book signing this Wednesday, July 14th (you know, instead of packing...'cause I like to make the stress really WORK for me). Would love to see you there!

Writers Workshop Wednesdays
Borders Scottsdale Waterfront
7:00 p.m., July 14
7135 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Stay tuned. Tomorrow the stuff I've been telling you about that we've all be waiting for will be announced...well, that you've all been waiting for me to actually coherently tell you about and I've been waiting to get all ready before I coherently tell you about it. That stuff. It'll be here. Tomorrow. Promise.

Love,
Gini

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Happy Monday! Hope those who were celebrating had a fun and frolicsome Independence Day celebration. Team Gini's still technically on 4th of July holiday (we work hard and play hard here), but there's a lot going on, and I didn't want to wait another moment to share it all with you.

With that build up, I know you're expecting the Earth to move, but, um, well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, really, it's just a lot of good stuff today and there's more coming and...

First up, there are more nice reviews of "Touched by an Alien" to check out. Head over to the Onward blog, then hit Dirty Sexy Books blog. After that, jump to The Book Addict to see where "Touched by an Alien" is on her June reading list. Also, for those of you who entered her many cool contests, winners will be announced soon!

In somewhat related news, as you all know, our own Amber Scott started Project Pay It Forward with "Touched by an Alien". That's going on and going well, but Amber wants to get a new book going, and she's asking for suggestions. Head over to The Amber Scott Project and give her some ideas of which debut author's book you think she should start a PPIF for. I've logged my suggestion, go log yours!

By now you all know I'm going to Comic-Con...wait for it...as a professional! (You knew it was coming.) Anyway, I'm going, and it's been sold out since November. BUT, there are returned memberships available, so if any of you are still hoping to go, check out the Comic-Con website and see if you can score tix. (BTW, don't buy from scalpers -- buy only through Comic-Con or you'll be likely to waste your hard-earned money.) My panel is on Friday -- check the Datebook page for details -- if you can only go one day.

My Twitter Followers contest is still going; just need a few more followers in order to reach 200 and then send out a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien". Our own Dark Wyrm Reads gently reminded me last week that I hadn't shared how to find me on Twitter with those who might not be following me already, so, I'm @GiniKoch and I believe you can just go to Twitter, sign up if you're not on it, and search for me. Or, click on the link right here on the Blog Roll (to the left of the blog, under the nav bar).

I'd ramble on some more, but edits never sleep. So, I'm back to editing "Alien in the Family" and you all go back to hitting websites and being your own bad selves, and we'll do it all again later this week!

Love,
Gini

The Neverending Yap Story

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, another day brings another interview on the way! That's right, this time, our own Tempting Persephone has an interview with yours truly going, and she asked some cool questions you'll want my answers to. So head on over, have a read, and show the blog some Alien Collective love. She's also giving away a copy of "Touched by an Alien", so if you want another copy or have friends who haven't read the book yet, head them over to leave a comment and get entered to win! Contest ends May 28.

Speaking of winning a copy of "Touched by an Alien", we have three other Collective blogs giving away a copy. ALPHA Reader's giveaway ends May 20. The Book Pusher's giveaway ends May 21. That's QUEEN Bitch to You's giveaway ends May 24. Hit 'em all!

And, speaking of interviews, and reviews, if you haven't checked out both at Dark Wyrm Reads, as in the review of "Touched by an Alien" and my first ever interview, what are you waiting for? New views, different questions, and other good stuff equals a must-read, so don't wait, head over now!

Speaking of don't wait -- if you're not on Hook Me Up! right now, get on the bandwagon. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. You'll be eligible for the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest, get all the news that's fit to print first, and more! Don't delay, sign up today!

Love,
Gini

Just Another Manic Monday

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've got another alien-packed week for you, so let's roll right into it!

First up, Dark Wyrm Reads has his review of "Touched by an Alien" up and running. Head over and give one of our own some Alien Collective love. Also, if you haven't read my Dark Wyrm Reads interview (which was, if memory serves, my very first...ever!), check it out as well while you're there!

Next up, The Book Pushers have an awesome giveaway underway -- Ghosts, Aliens and Hot Menz. Just enter a comment on their blog and you can win a copy of "Touched by an Alien" OR a copy of "The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker" by Leanna Renee Hieber. (You can enter to win both, see the blog for all details.) Contest ends Friday, May 21, so don't delay -- zoom by, give another one of the Collective some love, and see if you can win Leanna's book, or another copy of mine, whichever's your fancy.

Speaking of winning, our Week One Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest winner is...*drum roll please*...Tracie Rollins! Congrats, Tracie! Check out the prizes on the Win Stuff page, then drop me a line letting me know which prize you want!

Week One Question: Name Kitty's pets, living and presumed dead.
Answer: Mickey, Minnie, Carradine, Oingo, Boingo, Candy, Kane, Sugarfoot, Duke, Duchess, Dottie, Dudley

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? You're missing out...on getting all the news first, exclusive prizes, and much more. But it's not too late to join. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and you'll be on the list and gettin' it first and free!

Love,
Gini

Alien-Filled Friday

It's been a roller coaster ride this week here in Gini Land, and it's not over yet!

First up, As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I insinuated in yesterday's blog, and KB flat out said at the start of yesterday's interview, Babbling About Books has a review of "Touched by an Alien" large and in charge. Head over and show BAB some Alien Collective love! And if you missed yesterday's interview, well, it's not too late to catch up right now.

Speaking of catching up, it's time to check in with The Amber Scott Project about the current status of Project Pay It Forward. Check out the progress and let Amber know what you think of the Project!

Next up, it's preview time at Dark Wyrm Reads. We have it from the Dark Wyrm himself that another review of "Touched by an Alien" will be live there this coming Monday, as well as some other reviews coming. Check it out and bookmark the site, we'll be back there next week!

Last but in no way least, Tempting Persephone's lovely owner let me know some exciting news: "Touched by an Alien" is one of Booklist's top 10 adult SF/Fantasy books of 2010! Check it out...I still can't quite believe it's true, but there it is, all in print and everything!

Reminder time:

Week One's Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest ends on Sunday. Send the answer to the question to gini@ginikoch.com by Sunday, May 16. Winner and Week Two's question will be announced separately on Monday, May 17. Check out the Win Stuff page for all the prizes you could win...as long as you enter!

The Brenda Novak 2010 Online Auction to benefit Diabetes Research rolls on through the end of the month. There's lots up there, including my Fight the Fuglies Starter Kit, so hit the auction and place a bid or two.

ALPHA Reader's "Touched by an Alien" Giveaway runs through May 20. That's QUEEN Bitch to You's "Touched by an Alien" Giveaway runs through May 24.

There's more up at Free Stuff including print-them-yourself bookmarks. Head over, grab some freebies!

Whew! That's it for today, peeps! Have a fun time reading, browsing, and blog-hopping, and have an alien-tastic weekend!

Love,
Gini

Another Gini Expose'!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, things are still wild here in Gini Land! First up, there's yet another interview with moi, this time at Babbling About Books. I know, I know, there's a certain symmetry to my running the yap at a place that clearly loves the babbling, right? So you KNOW you've got to read it. Head on over, find out yet more interesting and obscure facts about yours truly, and show the site some Alien Collective love! Lots and lots of awesome reading matter at BAB, too...and keep the page up...more to come there soon, very soon...

Next up, I met very cool author Lynn Crain at the Desert Dreams conference, and she's said some very cool things about "Touched by an Alien" at her blog, The Many Shades of Life and Love. Head over and see what she's got -- there's some really great stuff up there.

Dark Wyrm Reads is helping boost the Brenda Novak 2010 Online Auction to benefit Diabetes Research. Check out the article, check out the blog, then hit the auction -- there's lots of tempting auction items up there, and it all goes for a great cause.

Finally, remember that the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest is well underway. Send your answers to Week One's question to gini@ginikoch.com by Sunday, May 16, to be included in the first random prize giveaway on Monday, May 17th. Need a refresher on the prizes? Check out the Win Stuff page and know that it could all be yours...

Love,
Gini

The Yap Runneth Over

It's true, it's true! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, yet another wicked cool blog has seen fit to do an interview with me. (I feel all celebrity-like! LOL) Head on over to Dark Wyrm Reads (http://darkwyrmreads.blogspot.com/) and have yourselves a merry little interview perusal. Then browse around over there...there's lots of interesting stuff!

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Why ever not? It's easy to stay ahead of the Gini game -- just send an email to me (gini@ginikoch.com) with Hook Me Up! in the subject line and, voila, you're in! You'll get the news first and fastest, as well as hearing about things, like signings and contests, first.

Speaking of contests, you still have time to get your answers in for my first, running now. After you hang out at Dark Wyrm, head over to my Win Stuff page and check it out.

Love,
Gini